Worker V:2.0 (Ode to the Pencil Skirt)

June 27, 2011 · 69 comments

I wore this to work last week.  I never get to take photos in an actual office, so pretend you see a desk behind me instead of an air con unit, OK? I shot these just before I dashed out the front door for my morning commute. And, yeah, I do realize it’s another black outfit. What can I say? It’s what I do best.

Anyway. You’ve seen the jacket and cami. You’ve seen the skirt. You’ve seen the shoes. But you’ve never seen them like this before.

Wait, have you seen the shoes? Get clicking if by some bizarre chance you haven’t. Business in the front, party in the back.
Worth the click(s)!

Jacket, Cami, Skirt: Ann Taylor • Belt: (unknown) • Heels: Sam Edelman • Bag: Marc Jacobs

I don’t know what you think about this look, but it is one of my favorites in terms of how I felt when I wore it—which was powerful, feminine, a little edgy. And I dare say even a little French (Jill, perhaps it’s because I watched Le Divorce the night before? Antoine, can I pass for a femme Française?).

I think there is nothing better than a fitted pencil skirt. It is the epitome of ladylike sexy, appropriate for virtually every environment and every occasion. I have six; they vary in length, fabric, and style. Despite how many other pieces circulate in and out of my closet, the pencil skirts, they stay. Year after year.

Are you as in love with pencil skirts—either as the wearer or admirer—as I am?

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{ 60 comments… read them below or add one }

YvonnaLivianna

June 27, 2011

I love a good pencil skirt. It is timeless and classic and I have seen those heels bopping around online, but never on anyone! Love them on you!

XX!
YvonnaLivianna
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Ambuji June 27, 2011

Super sexy French chic! You look like you have stepped straight out of a film Francois!

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annie June 27, 2011

Can you believe I use to hate pencil skirts? I thought they looked old. Well, now I don’t think so… I think they are quite flattering on a woman’s body. :)
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JTwisdom

June 27, 2011

Pencil skirts make your legs look longer and remind me of the days of Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn. I love a pencil skirt with platform heels.
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Cameron

June 27, 2011

Mullets… metal… your shoes are pretty much both! And that AC is très chic aussi !

Pencil skirts… haven’t worn any; guess I’m just waiting for the right pieces to come together before I’ll say yes to one.
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Alexis of NorthOnHarper

June 27, 2011

I love a good pencil skirt. And this outfit is phenomenal– one of my favorite, you look all the things you said, plus you look HOT!!! Love it!
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Nikki @ Styling You

June 27, 2011

Loving this look V – and black is always very ok in my books!

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Porcelain Complexion June 27, 2011

You summed this is perfectly V “powerful, feminine, a little edgy”.
I totally agree, at least one good pencil skirt is a must have for any wardrobe.
Loving the red lippy too.
xox

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A Brit Greek

June 27, 2011

Wow oui! I love this look on you! It is totally edgy, powerful and stylish!
A pencil skirt is a wardrobe classic must. Loving the heels too, pretty sure we haven’t seen them yet!
x.o.x.o

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Lee Oliveira

June 27, 2011

I am sure you are the only super stylish girl in your office!
You are so right! Pencil skirts are fabulous.. the really shows what V is all about..
Yummy shoes V.
Lee x
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Leia

June 27, 2011

You look incredible, V! I just love pencil skirts, too. I find them a little bit difficult to walk in sometimes, but I definitely reach for them when I’m working. Also, your hair looks so glossy and shiny in these pics!
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Jessie at Fashion Limbo

June 27, 2011

I agree, there is nothing better than a pencil skirt. Even though I don’t wear them enough, in fact only on certain special occassions, but a pencil skirt is instant style, so flattering and amazingly feminine. You look great in these pics, love the flash of red lipstick xxx
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Corrie

June 27, 2011

Pencil skirts are pretty much the only skirts I own. They work best for my shape which is pretty curvy. I agree when I wear them to the office, it does give you a certain air of authority. I love them!

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Dorky Medievalist June 27, 2011

YES! I love a pencil skirt, especially for professional dressing. The mystery is, I generally loathe the bits of my body that the pencil skirt seems to love and yet I don’t hate myself in a pencil skirt. It is some kind of sartorial magic. And you look fabulous–utterly fabulous!
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Anika

June 27, 2011

HOT MAMA! I would agree to anything you pitch me in that outfit. Sexy, empowered, unapolagetic. Yes, yes, YES!
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Stilettostetico

June 27, 2011

AAaw and I truly understand your crush for the pencil skirt, this finery shall never cease to “epitomize” THE “Corporate Mistress” Dear V !!! ps: Ooh Yes, you naturally could pass for a (GLAMazon-icious) “Femme Française”, this aesthetics truly enjoys such an universal power of evocation (“shy gentleman’s smile”) . . .
ps: This Fetish alchemy business / party is uber tasty indeed, a fortiori with such bloody twist next to your toes I (bashfully) must add !!!

à Bientôt, Antoine
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blahblahbecky.co.uk

June 27, 2011

I’m such a HUGE fan of those Sam Edelman’s!
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styleonthecouch

June 27, 2011

Wow lady that is one chic office outfit there. I really hated pencil skirts was I was younger, but I have these staples in my wardrobe. There is something about the fit of a pencil skirt that makes me feel particularly feminine and powerful I think. I like the belt you’re paired it with here, it accentuates the waist even more.

http://www.styleonthecouch.com
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L of A2Style Boutique

June 27, 2011

Absolutely love that you spiced up an all black outfit. that ruffle jacket is fabulous and the heels…umm yeah…..i want those!

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Consider Me Lovely

June 27, 2011

I LOVE pencil skirts! I don’t wear them as much as I used to, but I agree they are ladylike and sexy (if the right fit). I do think some people wear them too tight, but yours fits you perfectly! I saw those shoes on Instagram; they are GORGEOUS!!
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Lauren

June 27, 2011

lol at you saying the shoes are “business in the front, party in the back!” haha.. so true, they are pretty awesome all around.

xoxo
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modanista junkie

June 27, 2011

LOVE the cami. You look gorgeous and yes, pencil skirts are freakin amazing. They are sexy and flirty!!!

xoxo,
Mel
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Ashleigh

June 27, 2011

Classy & Sassy – love it!!
These shoes are amaaayzing!

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Terri June 27, 2011

Yes, to the look. And double yes for pencil skirts. A nice mix of elements here…which is why you felt so good in it.
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Madeline Quaint

June 27, 2011

Oh, wow! How could your co-workers concentrate on their jobs is a wonder! :)
This skirts suits you so well! I love the whole look!
I’m always reminded of Marilyn when I see a pencil skirt and pumps – I wish I could look as great in them as her and you!
(Actually in Some Like it Hot, when she’s rushing for the train, she wears something very similar! Complete with feathery bolero. :)
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Jenmarie

June 27, 2011

You look stunning, V! Ohh and those heels. I think I saw a photo of them before but opening the link had the same impact on me as the first time! Ha!

I really like pencil skirts too. In fact, in my next outfit post I’ll be wearing one about the same length as yours! I saw some shorter ones at Target the other day in various colors and patterns for only $12. I may have to go back…

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Nicole @FHF

June 27, 2011

I absolutely love this outfit! It’s sexy yet sophisticated, chic yet classy…just perfection!

Can’t wait to hear about the Mikoh goods…xo
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Metsy

June 27, 2011

Gorgeous. All black never looked so good.
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Jill June 27, 2011

Yowza, you’re killing me with this ensemble. It’s so Le Divorce! I never ever get tired of a pencil skirt, or all black for that matter. And I love your Marc Jacobs bag. Thanks for the shout out, unexpected, and made me laugh!

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Fashnlvr

June 27, 2011

V – you always look glamorous and as though you can conquer the world. I don’t doubt that you can. I love black – even in summer. It also make me feel like I can do anything!
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Krystle

June 27, 2011

Fabulous, honey!! I’m in love with pencil skirts as well! They are a great basic piece!! This look is gorgeous on you!! :)
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WendyB

June 27, 2011

Fabulous look — the texture of the jacket is a special touch!
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Kara

June 27, 2011

Love how pencil skirts look- I just bought my first one, but haven’t worn it yet. Still out of my comfort zone, but I’m going to give it a try. Love your all black look- it does seem very french :)
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kavery June 27, 2011

I’m always sneaking looks at Ann Taylor’s website though they don’t ship here. So it’s wonderful to see those looks come alive on you. Viva la pencil skirt. Once I find a well-fitting one I hold on to it forever!

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THE-LOUDMOUTH

June 28, 2011

YEAH!!! I totally remember that AT jacket. Rockin’ :)
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Mode Plus

June 28, 2011

I also think Black has something ultra chic about it. and even though I’m not French myself, I do think you could pass as ‘madame en noir’.
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Carly June 28, 2011

GIRRRRL! You look so “girl about to take over the world” here…you felt it and it oozed outta your pores. LOVE this look. Might be one of my favs I have ever seen on your blog:) Perfectly classy but so sexy too. I usually don’t wear a ton of black in the summer…but THIS summer I have been…and it has been coming naturally…I am just going with it.
And I love those SE…

PS thanks for the last comment…felt good to be a bit scandalous…you should totally look into getting the dress if you have weddings coming up…it would be BEYOND on you….or maybe don’t…you will look better and than I will have to take my post down.
Happy week.
C
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No Guilt Fashion

June 28, 2011

V, you look absolutely fierce! You could rock the boardroom just as well as you inspire the blogging world.
P.S. I saw your tweet last night, and I seriously hope you don’t quit blogging. Can’t wait to read your post that you are writing about all of the snarkiness.
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GawgusThings

June 28, 2011

Oh la, la ma cherie as Alfred would say woof, woof! You look amazing and I love the pencil skirt on you – on me, I’m afraid it hilights too many lumps and bumps but I’m a great admirer! Bisous

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SACRAMENTO

June 28, 2011

I think one knows when is spot on. I adore this outfit. No wonder it makes you feel soooooooo good.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
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Fajr | Stylish Thought

June 28, 2011

This should be the signature outfit for the V Barbie. The pencil skirt and the peep toes are perfection!
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Kirstin Marie

June 28, 2011

Excellent styling!!! I’m loving the pencil skirt on you, and your shoes are amazing :)
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Casee Marie

June 29, 2011

Those heels, lady! Adore them and this whole look. I’m an ardent pencil skirt admirer (blame it on Christina Hendricks and her rocking Mad Men costumes, I think) but for some reason I never really wear them. I have a few dresses with the pencil vibe, but that’s about it. I’ll have to take my lack of skirt into consideration…

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Sian Ophelia

June 29, 2011

I’m a HUGE fan of the pencil skirt, unashamedly feminine and sexy and this outfit suits it perfectly! And I’m a big fan of all black – very professional in the work place and super empowering I find!

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Veshoevius

June 29, 2011

Love this work outfit! – sniff – had to send those very same Edelmen shoes back after I bought them as they were just too narrow for my feet – have to keep reminding myself that his shoes don’t fit me everytime I see you wearing yours and die of shoe envy! I have a couple of good pencil skirts and they look fantastic but I do feel a bit restricted by them if I have a long day sitting down all the time.
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Best Of Palm Beach

June 29, 2011

That jacket is just too cute V takes the dress to another level.

Veronica
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V

July 1, 2011

Thank you for your comments, lovelies! I am trying my best to get out to see you all on YOUR blogs as soon as I can!

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Bella Q

July 1, 2011

Pencil skirts make their mark on a chic woman’s wardrobe. I just enjoyed another blogger’s post (Terri, Rags against the Machine) rocking out a bright cherry red one, and yes. it was edgy, polished and sexy. Now I want one.
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V

July 12, 2011

Uh, me too! Thanks, Bella!

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Dress Code: High Fashion

July 7, 2011

Oh the classic pencil skirt never fails!

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V

July 12, 2011

My thoughts exactly!

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poet July 8, 2011

I love pencil skirts too! I don’t have too many or wear them too often though as their narrowness disagrees with my lifestyle of biking everywhere I go.
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V

July 12, 2011

Ha! Yeah, that’s one skirt you can’t wear on a bike! Thanks for commenting!

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Joy

July 8, 2011

I love pencil skirts. They make my short legs look a bit longer. Huzzah!
Joy x
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empress July 8, 2011

This is by far the best wardrobe staple beside the white button down shirt and blazer. A Pencil skirt is NECESSARY in any queens wardrobe, of course I know this is true ask Victoria Beckham!

-Shanny

http:/truequeen.com
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Angela July 9, 2011

I love pencil skirts! They’re so chic and so versatile. I love the jacket too.

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Heather Fonseca

July 11, 2011

I adore black pencil skirts. Currently I have 3, like yours they’re different lengths and fabrics. I’m glad I’m not the only one who has multiples of this staple because I keep thinking I have too many! Guess not.

Heather

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Lynsey Michelle July 12, 2011

I love this. Think the all black is super chic, and will continue to stand by the fact that pencil skirts are any daily office attendees best friend.

Best,
Lynsey Michelle
——————————————–
LAW OF FASHION
http://www.law-of-fashion.com
twitter.com/lawoffashion

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V

July 12, 2011

Thanks again to all of you for your lovely comments!

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Benjina March 30, 2012

I love pencil skirts. They can make my legs look longer and black can somethings a chic style. ALL black looked so good.
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